Zeetta Networks has been awarded a £1.8m (US$2.3m) Innovate UK contract to deliver a large-scale demonstration of the capability and commercial potential of its NetOS technology to manage a complex network infrastructure in a flexible, dynamic and cost-effective manner.

The University of Bristol spin-out will be working with Ashton Gate Stadium to deploy NetOS throughout, as a ‘first-of-a-kind’ deployment of an open networking technology managing the communications network of a modern stadium.

Stadia across the globe are facing significant network challenges as the demand for data use, speedy connectivity and overall enhanced digital experiences from match-day fans, corporate users and retail customers continue to increase. Zeetta Networks’ NetOS technology simplifies this complex environment without the need for sizeable up-front capital expenditure for additional hardware. Previous trials have demonstrated its positive impact in the operations and asset management in the stadium and delivering increased revenues and reduced up-front costs, while improving the overall end-user experience. The project has broader implications beyond stadia as NetOS can be applied to shopping centers/malls, hospitals, airports and other venues operating networks of similar complexity.

The deployment of NetOS will provide the infrastructure to connect tens of thousands of devices including cell phones; cash tills; turnstiles; display screens; HVAC; sensors and building management systems. This first-to-market technology is designed to reduce costs, both in terms of network set-up and ongoing stadium operations. It will further deliver a programmable platform to enable new revenue enhancing services both for sporting and corporate events. This will be achieved by delivering a range of applications and services that will allow the network administrators and business stakeholders to monitor and dynamically reconfigure network resources in real time and extract data analytics from the network that contributes to the stadium’s digital strategy.

“We are delighted to have been chosen to deliver this large contract in partnership with our existing customer at Ashton Gate,” says Vassilis Seferidis, CEO of Zeetta Networks. “Stadia and other large venues, across the UK and beyond, are challenged by their consumer need for more data and faster response time, particularly as they scale up their activities into new business areas. This first-of-a-kind deployment forms a key part of our business plan by demonstrating our technological capabilities and the resulting commercial benefits for our customers.”

“We’ve been working with Zeetta Networks for the last 12 months and it is exciting to see the potential uses of this system unfold,” adds Ashton Gate chairman Martin Griffiths. “Sports stadia across the globe struggle with connectivity and real-time evaluation of data. I believe we are just scratching the surface of what this NetOS platform can deliver and look forward to seeing its implementation over the coming year. Using Ashton Gate Stadium as a live test lab, I’m confident that we will be able to drive greater fan engagement along with significant returns to our businesses.”